Christmas Cookies: Sugar Cookie Recipe

We’ve entered my favorite time of year! It’s because I get to try a new cookie recipes and share with our family and friends. The first holiday cookie recipe this year is easy to make because the dough comes together quickly, while still providing a crumbly and buttery cookie – my favorite!

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Flavoring Cookie Recipes

I am a big fan of almond flavoring – like I would wear it as perfume because I love it so much! A sugar cookie will usually call for vanilla extract, but I used almond in these instead because it reminds me of a Puerto Rican cookie called polvorones. I have shared that recipe in the past here and it’s really one of my top 5 favorite cookies of all time. The fact is you can do whatever you like. In fact, to really make these a holiday treat, I would suggest you add a bit of peppermint extract into the icing!

View my recipe video for this Sugar Cookie Recipe below

I’m planning to make the next holiday cookie something with chocolate – stay tuned!

Christmas Sugar Cookies

The truth is these sugar cookies can be made for any occasion, but they are a family favorite over the holiday season. These are really easy to make as the dough comes together quite easily. The result is a cookie with just the right amount of buttery sweetness and the texture is crumbly.

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Course Dessert

Servings 3 dozen

Ingredients

  

Cookie dough

• 3/4 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 3 cups flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt

Icing

• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter melted
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• sprinkles and colored sugar optional

Instructions

 

Sugar Cookies

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, mix shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and flavoring.
• In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Then gradually add to shortening and sugar mixture until dough forms.
• Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place at least an inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
• Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Please note the tops will not brown and it is their bottoms you will need to check. Remove and place on wire racks to cool.

Icing

• In a small bowl, combine all ingredients until smooth. You can then add food coloring if you would like. Drizzle with over cookies or dip the tops of cookies in icing. Top with sprinkles or colored sugar if you would like. Let stand until they're set.

Keyword cookies, dessert